Is Adrian Lopez the striker that Arsenal really need? (Video)

With reports suggesting that Arsenal are keen on securing the signature of Atletico Madrid striker Adrian, it is no shock to see fans excited over the possible arrival of the Spaniard.

The 24-year-old has been impressive for Los Rojiblancos since signing from Deportivo La Coruna back in 2011 and it’s no surprise that clubs across the continents are showing an interest in the front-man.

Speculation has been continuously mounting that the Gunners would be prepared to part with around £14m to bring the player to the Emirates Stadium, with manager Arsene Wenger confirming that he won’t be moving for Thierry Henry only expected to heighten the rumours.

Yet, is Adrian really the striker Arsenal need to sign? Granted, he can play up top, but his best position is out wide in a front three, allowing the focal point of the attack – in Atletico’s case Falcao – to provide the attacking threat in the middle.

At present, Wenger has an abundance of talent to play a similar role in the form of Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and, despite his request to play the lead striker role, Theo Walcott. What the Gunners need is a player who can score the goals, not provide them.

Whether signing Adrian is a means of allowing Walcott to blossom in the middle, a promise that may well convince him to sign a new deal at the Emirates, remains to be seen, but if Wenger is keen on bringing in a striker to lead the front-line, the Spaniard certainly isn’t the player to do that.

Quick, give Wenger a call before he makes a big mistake!! So good we have experts like you supporting the club, Ben. While you're on the phone please tell Wenger which players he should buy and while your at it, tell him which formation Arsenal should play in.

Well he looks to be a good finisher – usually from inside the 6 yard box. He does not appear to be a maker of goals for others nor a hold up striker. Therefore he would be dependent upon Arsenal providing him with the right service and this could be a problem. All strikers will find it hard the Wenger way which is to play 2 men wide and one isolated down the middle. RVP managed because he was so very good. Nobody else has in recent years.

And John… before Wenger makes a mistake …. ?? Well he has made plenty. Of course we all do but the maddening thing is Wenger is snail slow to recognise them, accept them and correct them. He remains convinced he was right all along. And our information is this includes not accepting advice from very experienced in house coaches. Like … do you really think Pat Rice or Steve Bould recommended the obvious imbalances between attack and defence / technique and strength / youth and maturity ? Would they really have advised zonal marking the way we use it ? Would they prefer wing backs (like Santos and Gibbs) to real defenders? And do you fancy discussing Wenger's disastrous flat wage structure … ?????